Job Hunt Series Part One: Writing a Winning Resume with Four Simple Tips

A new research study found that recruiters spend an average of six seconds reading a resume before making a decision about whether or not the candidate is fit for the job. With such a limited time frame, your extensive three-page resume may not exactly impress recruiters like you’d hoped. Conciseness is key when it comes to resume writing, but there are several additional factors that also come into play when making an impression on potential employers. To make the most out of these six seconds and create a polished and impressive resume, consider the following top four tips.

Tailor Your Resume to the Job

Sending out a generic, universal resume may save you some time, but adding an extra hour to your day often isn’t worth reducing your chances of actually landing employment. When employers are looking for a specific type of employee for a specific job, they’ll spend those six seconds looking only for key words that make you the best candidate for the job. To tailor your resume, be sure to carefully read the job description of the position you’ll be applying for and work these key terms into the document. To maintain conciseness, prioritze educational background and experience information to those that best fit what the job entails.

Emphasize Internships and Training Opportunities

Whether you’re fresh out of college with zero job experience or just want to embellish the current experience section featured on your resume, internships and other training opportunities give you a chance to set yourself apart and illustrate the depth of your abilities. According to Jobacle.com, these experiences make it easier for recruiters to identify your suitability for the job and ensure you’re prepared for a practical work environment.

Bring Your Education to Life

Surely you have more to show for the years you spent in college than just a diploma. Although the degree itself is certainly an accomplishment, you likely took advantage of numerous other opportunities during your education that can bring this portion of your resume to life. For example, if you created a video presentation for your digital media course, you can cite this in your resume and post the video on your LinkedIn account. If you participated in clubs, service projects or just completed any big, noteworthy assignments, mention this in the appropriate section of your resume to really make your degree stand out from the rest.

Modernize Your Resume

Now more than ever, recruiters are looking for professionals who have up-to-date skills with modern technology, social media marketing and other 21st century strategies that are crucial for businesses of all kinds in the modern age. If you have experience and skills working with various computer programs and software or other technological tools, be sure to emphasize these in your resume. If you’ve been out of school for quite some time or have just never had the opportunity to work with more advanced forms of technology, consider taking a few courses to develop your skills in these areas and enhance the appeal of your resume.

High unemployment and even higher student loan debt can cause many recent graduates and new job seekers to panic when navigating through the job market. Although these factors may seem discouraging, acquiring employment can be made easier with the right strategies in place. Keeping the above tips in mind will help you gain more control during your search, while making sure your allotted six seconds really count.

Lindsey Harper Mac is a professional writer living in the Indianapolis area. She specializes in writing guest posts covering social media and education on behalf of American InterContinental University. Currently, Lindsey is completing work on her master’s degree.

Photo of Resume with summary of qualifications courtesy of Shutterstock